North Sumatra by electric bike: Lake Toba and the Sumatran jungle

The first leg of your journey is by e-bike to Parapat, on the eastern shore of Lake Toba. You'll cycle through verdant hills, plantations, and traditional villages before reaching the shores of the world's largest volcanic lake. Enjoy a lunch break at a local warung (food stall) for authentic Indonesian dishes. Arrive in Parapat in the mid-afternoon, the famous gateway to Samosir Island. There's an opportunity for swimming or a stroll around the harbor before spending the night at your lakeside hotel.

A stage south of Lake Toba towards Balige, a historic town renowned for its traditional Batak architecture and colorful market. The route follows the foothills of the lake and passes through a succession of small Christian villages, where Catholic and Protestant churches dot the landscape. A beautiful, technical descent, but manageable thanks to electric assistance. Arrival in the late afternoon at your hotel, the Labersa, ideal for relaxing.

An immersive stage through the deep countryside of North Sumatra to the remote village of Utemukur. You'll cycle along small backroads lined with rice paddies, coffee plantations, and Batak hamlets where traditional rural life thrives far from tourism. Lunch break at a family-run warung (local eatery). Arrival at the end of the day at authentic accommodation, an opportunity to interact with the locals and experience their hospitality.

The most demanding day of the tour, a spectacular crossing to Samosir Island and its village of Panguruan. A hilly route offering breathtaking views of Lake Toba and its mountains. A boat trip to reach the sacred Batak island, followed by a superb section along the mountainside with 360° panoramas. Electric assistance is invaluable here. Arrival at the Saulina Resort, on the lakefront, for a well-deserved evening.

A scenic mountain road winds through the central part of Samosir Island, dotted with magnificent Protestant and Catholic churches, intricately carved Batak tombs, and waterholes where buffalo drink. The landscape is one of wild plateaus, typical of this Christian land in the heart of Muslim Indonesia. Arrival in Tuk Tuk, a lively and touristy peninsula on Samosir, for an overnight stay on the lake in an idyllic setting.

An exceptional loop around Samosir Island, starting from Tuk Tuk. The island's only road runs alongside Lake Toba, offering breathtaking panoramas of mountains, plains, and rice paddies. Stops are made in traditional Batak villages, where you can discover intricately carved stilt houses surrounded by water buffalo and experience the unique animist-Christian culture of the Batak people. Return to Tuk Tuk for a second relaxing night by the lake.

Leave Samosir by ferry and travel to the northern shore of Lake Toba at Tongging, a hilltop village offering one of the most beautiful views of the lake. Upon arrival, don't miss the Sipiso Piso waterfalls , among the highest in Indonesia (120 m), cascading down into the lake. A short but magnificent leg of the journey, with an overnight stay at the prestigious Taman Simalem Resort overlooking the lake in an exceptionally scenic setting.

A stage through the Karo Highlands towards Berastagi, a famous hill station at the foot of the active volcanoes Sinabung and Sibayak . The route alternates between gentle descents, fertile plateaus, and fruit and vegetable plantations (passion fruit, marakuya, cabbage, carrots). The climate is cooler at higher altitudes, perfect for cycling. Arrival in Berastagi for a restful night at Sinabung Hills, with views of the surrounding volcanoes.

A long and spectacular descent from the heights of Berastagi leads to the tropical plains and the legendary Gunung Leuser National Reserve , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape changes dramatically: palm and rubber plantations replace the volcanoes. Arrival in the late afternoon at Bukit Lawang, a peaceful village on the banks of the Bohorok River, sanctuary for Indonesia's last wild orangutans.

An unforgettable day of adventure awaits in the Gunung Leuser National Reserve , accompanied by licensed local rangers . You'll trek through the primary rainforest to encounter orangutans , gibbons, Thomas's macaques, hornbills, and other iconic inhabitants of the Sumatran jungle. A truly moving experience is guaranteed as you encounter these great apes in their natural habitat. Return at the end of the day to your riverside lodge, where you can enjoy a swim and a relaxing evening surrounded by nature.

The most demanding stage of the circuit in terms of elevation gain, this route winds through forested hills towards the Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary, a hidden gem of North Sumatra. You'll cycle along typical red dirt tracks, passing through villages, plantations, and river crossings on traditional barges. Arrival at a lodge nestled in the heart of the rainforest, on the banks of a river, for a complete nature experience.

A magical morning spent with the elephants of Tangkahan : bathing and grooming these gentle giants, a unique experience in Indonesia. Then, a final leg by bicycle to Medan, passing through palm plantations and lively villages, amidst the region's characteristic red earth. Arrival at your 4-star hotel, Santika Premiere Dyandra, in the center of Medan at the end of the day. Transfer to the airport for your return flight according to schedule (transfer arranged).